Tennis-Fiery Rublev keeps a cool head to move on in Madrid

Tennis - Madrid Open - Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain - May 1, 2024 Russia's Andrey Rublev celebrates winning his quarter final match against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz REUTERS/Susana Vera

(Reuters) - Andrey Rublev surprised himself by managing to stay calm during an intense battle with Carlos Alcaraz in the Madrid quarter-finals on Wednesday and the fiery Russian said his work on the mental side of the game was starting to pay off.

Rublev, who fought back from a set down to beat world number three Alcaraz 4-6 6-3 6-2, has struggled to keep his temper under control at times on tour.